Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency - Home. Wikipedia - Climate change in Australia. Climate change has become a major issue in Australia due to drastic climate events since the turn of the 21st century that have focused government and public attention.[1] Rainfall in Australia has increased slightly over the past century, although there is little or no trend in rainfall in the Western Plateau and the Central Lowlands of Australia.[2] Water sources in the southeastern areas of Australia have depleted due to increasing population in urban areas (rising demand) coupled with climate change factors such as persistent prolonged drought (diminishing supply).
The federal government and all state governments (New South Wales,[6] Victoria,[7] Queensland,[8] South Australia,[9] Western Australia,[10][Tasmania,[11] Northern Territories[12] and the Australian Capital Territory[13]) have explicitly recognised that climate change is being caused by greenhouse gas emissions, in conformity with the scientific opinion on climate change. Pre-instrumental climate change[edit] Water[edit] Climate Change in Australia. Australian Conservation Foundation.